LEWISTON — The SeniorsPlus Education Center has announced the May calendar.
Unless stated otherwise, classes are free and located at 8 Falcon Road. Call SeniorsPlus at 207-795-4010 or 800-427-1241 for more information and to register.
Jewelry-Making — Memory Wire Bracelets: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 1; instructor, Lisa Marshall, 2 Blue Gems; cost, $15 for supplies. Participants will make their own memory-wire bracelet, utilizing varied gemstone, glass and metal beads and charms. Ends will be finished by the instructor. All materials will be provided, and participants will leave with a wearable piece of jewelry.
Understanding Healthcare Options Part 1: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2; instructors, Angela Moore, Beacon Hospice, and Dave Bracket, Kindred At Home. They will review Medicare rules and guidelines. This is an informational session to help improve ability to navigate the healthcare system and better talk to the doctor.
Navigating the Senior Care Pathway: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10; instructor, Albert L’Etoile, Woodlands of Lewiston. L’Etoile will present some local options for each level of care as well as touch briefly upon options for payment.
Safe Driving: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17; instructor, Donna McGibney, AARP; cost, $20, payable to AARP or $15 for AARP members. Drivers 55 and older who complete this class are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance for three years. Those attending should bring their driver’s license, lunch and membership card.
Crafting with Corinne — Squash Book: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 21; instructor, Corinne Saindon; $5 for supplies. Squash books can be used to showcase pictures from a special event.
Dementia-Related Behavior: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 22; instructor, Alzheimer’s Association. Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. Participants will learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
I Don’t See So Well Anymore: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22; instructor, Samantha Green, Iris Network. A specialist from the Maine agency that works specifically with the visually impaired will discuss simple tips and tricks to enhance vision. Participants can learn what can be done to remain as independent as possible at home.
Jewelry-Making: Earrings: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 29; instructor, Lisa Marshall, 2 Blue Gems; $10 for supplies. Participants can make a couple of pairs of French hook earrings.
Living Well for Better Health: 8:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, May 30 to July 11; no class July 4; instructors, Robyn Spugnardi and Claire Bachand. The six-week workshop teaches real-life skills for living a full, healthy life with a chronic condition. Topics include communication, medication usage, talking with a healthcare provider, physical activity, weight management and healthy eating. At the end of the workshop, there will be a drawing for a $25 gift card. Class size limit is 16.
Improve Your Hearing, Improve Your Mind: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 31; instructor, Dr. Abbey Forcier, Central Maine Audiology. Forcier will share recent research that demonstrates a link between hearing loss and dementia. Learn how appropriate treatment for hearing loss can provide brain support to help keep the mind sharp.
Ongoing fitness classes
Some insurance companies offer reimbursement for these classes. Those interested should call their insurance companies.
Gentle Chair Yoga: 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, April 2 to June 4, no class Monday, May 28; instructor, Tisha Bremner; $40 for eight weeks; drop-in, $8 a class. Designed to increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance and find inner calm. Combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches and gentle yoga postures.
Gentle Chair Yoga: 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays, May 4 to June 29, no class Friday, May 25; instructor, Tisha Bremner; $40 for eight weeks; Drop-in, $8. Designed to increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance and find inner calm. Combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches and gentle yoga postures.
Total Strength and Balance: 11:15 a.m. to noon or 12:15 to 1 p.m. Mondays, no class May 28; 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; instructor, Linn Morin, certified trainer; $5 for drop-in, $15 for six classes, $25 for 12 classes. One month passes are nonrefundable. To register or for more information, call Linn at 207-523-9055.
Ongoing groups
Knitting Group: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Work on a project or learn how to knit; bring yarn and knitting needles. Those attending should enter through the back door.
Coffee & Comfort: 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, May 7. Meets on the first Monday of each month for those who have experienced loss and have completed the bereavement group at Beacon Hospice.
Book Club: 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The book to be read this month is “The Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant.
Franklin and Oxford counties
A Matter of Balance: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, May 3 to June 21, at Bethel Family Health Center, 32 Railroad St.; instructors, Jacquelyn Cressy and Linda McDonough. This is an eight-week long workshop designed to reduce the fear of falling and to increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple strength and balance exercises. Class size limit is 16.
A Matter of Balance: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, May 10 to June 28 at Rumford Public Library, 56 Rumford Ave.; instructors, Amanda Peralta and Jackie Gammon. This is an eight-week workshop designed to reduce the fear of falling and to increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple strength and balance exercises. Class size limit is 16.
Living Well for Better Health: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, May 16 to June 20; instructors, Laure Johnson and Cheryl Moody; SeniorsPlus Farmington office, 218 Fairbanks Road. This six-week long workshop teaches real-life skills for living a full, healthy life with a chronic condition. Topics include communication, medication usage, talking with a healthcare provider, physical activity, weight management and healthy eating. At the end of the workshop, there will be a drawing for a $25 gift card. Class size limit is 13.
Franklin County Animal Shelter presentation: Monday, May 7, at the Farmington Community Center. Dory Diaz, Franklin County Animal Shelter. Discusses all of the services that the FCAS provides and the various ways that people can help.
SeniorsPlus services presentation: Monday, May 21, at the Farmington Community Center. Laure Johnson, SeniorsPlus, discusses SeniorsPlus services.
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